Iron-Deficiency Anemia Associated With Prostate Cancer, and Ameliorated by Anti-androgen Therapy

Hepcidin is synthesized in liver and is a master regulator of iron metabolism. Renal anemia was suspected in an 86-year-old man, who was referred to our department. Laboratory tests indicated iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and ferrous sulphate was initiated. However, no bleeding sites were demonstrated and the response to iron supplementation was not satisfactory. MRI revealed a tumor in the prostate, and prostate biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma that was positive for hepcidin. Anti-androgen therapy ameliorated IDA. Potential roles of hepcidin from prostate cancer (PCa) in the pathogenesis of IDA are discussed in this article.